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Owner of Hansons Auctioneers, Charles Hanson, said: "I thought it would be a lovely Easter gesture to invite families to enjoy this marvellous merry-go-round, which we are very proud to be auctioning next week.

"It is quite extraordinary. It's handmade, hand-turned and a delight to behold.

"Bright and beautiful, it demonstrates the wonderful craftsmanship of days gone by – and immediately takes you back to your childhood and the sheer excitement you felt when the fair came to town.

The carousel was made in Burton in 1895

"The smell of candyfloss and hotdogs, the lights, the colours and the fairground characters are a feast for the senses. Surely every child remembers the joy of being taken to a traditional fair for the first time?

"That's what gave me the idea to offer children this special opportunity before the item is sold.

"It deserves to be in a museum and American buyers may well be interested, And, who knows, it could leave British shores.